As Black History month comes to a close, it is fitting to pay tribute to the woman who launched a popular fixture on many Church calenders.

Fifty years ago this year, Edith Mae Smith organised the first ever Women's Day Service.

And the idea caught on and throughout the years has been adopted by various churches throughout the Island, as well as overseas.

Mrs. Smith was born on May 3, 1896 on North Shore -- now known as Glebe Road -- in Pembroke.

She became a Christian early in life and was very active in the North Shore Mission, now known as Heard Chapel AME Church.

A mother of nine, Mrs. Smith organised the Island's first Women's Day on September 10, 1948 at Heard Chapel.

A vocal and active church member, she reportedly became inspired with the idea for the celebration after attending church services three times a day every Sunday.

At every service she listened to only men preach and is said to have thought it was time women in the AME church community should speak on at least one Sunday out of the entire year.

The idea grew and now Women's Day in the AME Church has grown to become a staple in the Church calender.

SPEAKING OUT -- Edith Mae Smith got tired of hearing only men speak at Sunday church services.